Tenerife has commenced the first of two annual periods designated for the Opt artisan card, applicable to any of the 87 traditional trades recognised on the island, aiming to expand the current registry of 115 professionals. Applications will be accepted until April 21.
The Cabildo, via the island’s craft company, is spearheading this new initiative which began yesterday. Efraín Medina, the island’s Employment and Education Minister, expressed his pleasure at the turnout for each event, noting that many participants are under 40, which, he values, “ensures the continuity of the trades.” The Minister emphasised the need for Tenerife’s handicrafts to maintain essential quality for future assessment as unique items with a high level of marketability.
Registration can be completed at the Cabildo’s online platform or at the local citizen assistance offices. Required documents include: a standard application form, ID, NIE or passport of the applicant, proof of residency or registration from the respective City Council, a passport-sized photograph, a summary of the artisan activities undertaken, and images of the workshop or production space along with evidence of artisan output.
40 Years of Pinolere
This year, there are five planned island fairs taking place in Sauzal, Candelaria, Puerto de la Cruz and two events in Reyes, in Santa Cruz (Plaza del Príncipe) and La Laguna (Plaza del Adelantado), respectively. Additionally, events in Santa Úrsula (May 30), Garachico (July 4), Buenavista del Norte (August 24), and Tegueste (December 12) have been confirmed.
A major highlight on this calendar is the fortieth Pinolere Fair, which will occur in La Orotava from December 4 to 7. Sponsored by the local cultural association, this event will take place in the ethnographic venue in the neighbourhood of the same name located in the Mediaías of the Northern Villa. This special edition marks four decades since its inception in the mid-1980s. The initial years were centred on showcasing local artisans (1984-1986), followed by regions (1987-1990), and ultimately, from 1990 to 1994, artisans from Tenerife. In 1995, the regional showcases began, highlighting basketry. The Pinolere Cultural Project evolves annually with a focus on an artisan craft or the construction and design of an insular, regional, or national exhibition.
Thousands Attend the XXVII Regional Fair of Arafo
The Cabildo de Tenerife demonstrated its dedication to cultural identity at the Arafo Regional Craft Fair. Last weekend, thousands flocked to the municipality to enjoy 50 stalls and over 30 traditional craft modalities. The XXVII edition was organised by the Island Company of Crafts in collaboration with the Southern City Council, taking place in Plaza San Juan Degollado and surrounding areas throughout Saturday. The event was inaugurated by Minister of Employment and Education, Efraín Medina, alongside Arafo’s Mayor, Juan Ramón Martín, the National Deputy of the Canarian Coalition, Cristina Valido, and the Minister of Social Welfare for the Canary Islands Government, Candelaria Delgado. Medina underscored the significance of the event not solely for Arafo, but for the entire island. «We are launching the season here with great enthusiasm and a broad array of activities. This marks the beginning of the transformation we desire in our municipalities, and we encourage everyone towards quality and success. Juan Ramón Martín noted that “for 27 years, Arafo has nurtured its artisans and those from Tenerife, helping to create a promising future rooted in tradition while embracing innovation.”
The fair featured 50 stalls offering a variety of over 30 artisan and gastronomic creations. An emotional tribute was also held for the Master of Wire, Néstor Pérez González, attended by his son and grandson, Abraham and Yarel Pérez, who expressed gratitude to the City Council and the Cabildo for acknowledging his “Tireless Work.” Medina reaffirmed his commitment to introduce Nestor Pérez’s works into schools through educational initiatives at the Ibero-American Craft Museum of Tenerife (MAIT). | JDM
